What is MIME type "application/vnd.visio"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

application/vnd.visio is the MIME type for diagram files produced by Microsoft Visio.
It defines how files store detailed layouts, shapes, and connector data for diagrams.
These files help users visualize processes, organizational charts, and technical designs.
The format covers both older binary files and newer XML-based drawings.
It is used with file formats such as VSD, VSDX, VTX, VSS, VDX, VSL, VST, VSSX, VSX, VSW, VSDM, VSSM, VSTM, and VSTX.

Diagram Construction: Builds complex visual models for processes and systems.
Data-Driven Graphics: Integrates structured data with graphic elements to enhance clarity.
Technical & Business Mapping: Supports layouts for network designs, workflows, and organizational structures.

This MIME type ensures that files are recognized and handled properly by computers and browsers when shared online.
For more details on MIME type standards, check the IANA Registration.

Associated file extensions

.vsd, .vsdx, .vtx, .vss, .vdx, .vsl, .vst, .vssx, .vsx, .vsw, .vsdm, .vssm, .vstm, .vstx

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/vnd.visio

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/vnd.visio">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/vnd.visio');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.vsd, .vsdx, .vtx, .vss, .vdx, .vsl, .vst, .vssx, .vsx, .vsw, .vsdm, .vssm, .vstm, .vstx

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.